imaginative

adjective

i-'ma-jə-nə-tiv How to pronounce imaginative (audio)
Definition of imaginativenext
1
as in inventive
having the skill and imagination to create new things an imaginative child who is always writing short stories about her pet cat

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in innovative
showing a noteworthy use of the imagination and creativity especially in inventing found an imaginative gadget that can grind the beans and heat the water to brew coffee

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of imaginative Their first half against Everton was largely good, with their use of the ball imaginative and — importantly — quick. — Sebastian Stafford-Bloor, New York Times, 14 Sep. 2026 Mercury opposes imaginative Neptune, bringing plenty of creative energy but less agreement about the details. — Tarot.com, Sun Sentinel, 12 Sep. 2026 There were a lot of old lamps, some of which had imaginative and peculiar designs, though many were also just plain ugly. — Lydia Davis, New Yorker, 10 Sep. 2026 One of the great melodists of the rock era taking up bass, however, gave us dozens of richly imaginative and memorable basslines. — Al Shipley, SPIN, 8 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for imaginative
Recent Examples of Synonyms for imaginative
  1. inventive
  2. innovative
  3. creative
  4. clever
  5. talented
Adjective
  • The Libra Sun trines inventive Uranus in your daily-life zone, encouraging changes in tools, timing, workflow, or responsibilities.
    — Tarot.com, Hartford Courant, 28 Sep. 2026
  • And unlike lobster rolls, which have a pretty canonical form, sushi in Boston runs the gamut from highly traditional to the wildly inventive.
    — Todd Plummer, Condé Nast Traveler, 25 Sep. 2026
Definition of inventive
Adjective
  • Even brands deeply rooted in minimalism, such as Jil Sander and Loro Piana, evolved their aesthetic through sophisticated fabrics, innovative shapes and precise cuts that ensure strong relevancy for the upcoming season.
    — Samantha Conti, Footwear News, 28 Sep. 2026
  • Local and regional streaming platforms are again looking for innovative ways to monetize the demand for African content, while policymakers in a number of countries are putting the creative industries front and center.
    — Christopher Vourlias, Variety, 28 Sep. 2026
Definition of innovative
Adjective
  • The complimentary daily activity schedule spans beachfront meditation, sunrise yoga, strength training, and creative wellness workshops.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 26 Sep. 2026
  • Almost three decades later, Jil Sander, now under the creative directorship of Simone Bellotti, and Puma are back together again.
    — Stephen Garner, Footwear News, 25 Sep. 2026
Definition of creative
Adjective
  • Luckily, Amazon’s fitness section is loaded with clever devices to make home workouts fun, engaging, and a little sweaty.
    — Sian Babish, PEOPLE, 30 Sep. 2026
  • There are some genuinely clever ideas on display, including space-saving furniture, transforming interiors, and ways of opening the home up to the outdoors.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 30 Sep. 2026
Definition of clever
Adjective
  • Despite a talented roster headlined by Son Heung-min and Denis Bouanga, LAFC sits sixth in the Western Conference standings at 11-9-8 after winning just one of its past nine games across all competitions.
    — CBS News, CBS News, 28 Sep. 2026
  • Building a talented and motivated team is essential to any business’ success.
    — Tom Huddleston Jr., CNBC, 28 Sep. 2026
Definition of talented

Browse Nearby Words

imagination
imaginative
imaginativeness
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Imaginative.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/imaginative. Accessed 2 Oct. 2026.

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